When the Eagles signed former Broncos right tackle Ryan Harris, there was a real sense that he would be the starter come Week 1 — assuming he was healthy.

That assumption has turned out to be a bad one.

Derrick Gunn of CSN is reporting that according to two league sources Harris has a herniated disc in his back and will have surgery within the next week or two.

Harris has previously dealt with back issues in Denver, dating back to the first training camp after the Broncos took him in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

The 6-5,315 pounder out of Notre Dame has played in 46 games over his four-year career, starting 34, including 10 in 2010. Signed to only a one-year contract, it’s possible his Eagles career is over before it even started.

Going forward, the Eagles are in pretty big trouble at the right tackle position. Incumbent starter Winston Justice is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury, with no timetable set for his return. King Dunlap has been playing in Justice and Harris’ absence but he’s looked over-matched and out of place. The Browns spun him around regularly Thursday night.

Other options include second year player Austin Howard as well as the recently re-signed Reggie Wells. And with that morbid thought, it’s looking more and more like Todd Herremans, the long-time starter at left guard but a tackle in college, could kick out there and take over full time. It would be easier to find a new left guard than a tackle protecting the left-handed quarterback’s blind side.

Something needs to be done ASAP or this line is going to make Swiss cheese look solid.